Pakistan and China Reaffirm Commitment to Security, Accelerate CPEC Projects Following Karachi Attack

CT Report

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong met with Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, in Islamabad, as both countries pledged to enhance security for Chinese nationals in Pakistan and advance key projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Iqbal opened the meeting by condemning a recent attack on Chinese nationals in Karachi, pledging to bring the perpetrators to justice. “This heinous act, clearly aimed at damaging Pakistan-China relations, will not be tolerated,” he said. “The government and people of Pakistan stand with our Chinese friends during this challenging time, and we extend our condolences to the victims’ families.” He assured Zaidong that the safety of Chinese citizens in Pakistan remains a top priority.

Highlighting strong bilateral ties, Iqbal praised the recent visit of the Chinese premier to Pakistan and called for strengthened mechanisms to implement bilateral projects smoothly. “Concerned ministries are developing their action plans for implementing the consensus reached by the leadership of both countries during the recent visit to make CPEC Phase II successful,” he said.

The two leaders discussed accelerating projects such as the Karachi-Hyderabad section of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway and the Karakoram Highway (Thakot-Raikot section). They also committed to furthering development efforts at Gwadar Port and the surrounding Free Zone.

Ambassador Jiang expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s continued cooperation, referencing the Chinese premier’s recent visit as part of ongoing political, security, and economic collaboration. “Pakistan and China share an unbreakable bond,” Jiang said, emphasizing his country’s readiness to work on agriculture, mining, and industrial cooperation with a focus on security.

Minister Iqbal noted that the Ministry of Planning holds regular CPEC progress review meetings and is coordinating with China’s National Development and Reform Commission to organize high-level workshops on CPEC Phase II. These workshops aim to align with the Belt and Road Initiative’s “Eight Points Roadmap” and Pakistan’s “5Es Framework.”

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the historic Pakistan-China partnership, pledging continued strategic engagement to foster cooperation.